The tangy brightness of lime and the aromatic punch of lemongrass combine with fiery chili and fragrant Thai basil to coat each plump, grilled shrimp—while the jasmine fried rice offers a bed of comforting textures and savory depth.
It’s an irresistible weeknight dish that’s both visually stunning and flavor-packed. Perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or craving something exotic yet satisfying. One plate transports you to Southeast Asia with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined
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4 cups cooked jasmine rice
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For the shrimp marinade:
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¼ cup fish sauce (or oyster sauce)
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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1 Tbsp chili paste (sambal oelek or Sriracha)
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1 stalk lemongrass, bruised, thinly sliced (or zest of ½ lemon)
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1 red jalapeño, seeded & diced
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2 serrano peppers, seeded & diced
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20 Thai basil leaves, chopped
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¼ cup sugar
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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For the fried rice:
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1 Tbsp chili garlic paste
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30 Thai basil leaves
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1 ear corn, kernels (optional)
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1 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
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3 shallots, diced
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4 scallions, sliced
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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2 red jalapeños, diced
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2 Tbsp fish sauce
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3 Tbsp oyster sauce
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
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Directions:
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Cook and cool rice, set aside.
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In a bowl, whisk fish sauce, lime juice, sugar until dissolved. Add chili paste, lemongrass, jalapeños, serranos, basil, oil, garlic. Toss shrimp; refrigerate 1–4 hours.
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Heat a grill pan or grill over medium-high. Grill shrimp ~2 minutes per side until opaque and charred; remove.
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In a wok, heat oil over medium. Sauté shallots, garlic, scallions, jalapeños, bell pepper, corn, mushrooms until fragrant (~3 min).
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Stir in fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic paste. Add rice and half of basil; toss to coat and heat through.
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Just before serving, stir in remaining basil and juice of ½ lime. Plate rice, top with shrimp, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~520 kcal | Servings: 4
An Introduction to Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice
This vibrant, flavor-packed dish blends the bold, spicy, and fragrant elements of Thai cuisine into one irresistible meal. Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a sensory journey. From the moment you start prepping the fresh herbs to the first bite of chili-laced shrimp, this dish offers a mouthwatering balance of heat, zest, and umami. Whether you’re an adventurous home cook or a lover of Asian flavors, this meal is sure to become a new favorite in your weekly rotation.
Why Thai Cuisine Is So Beloved
Thai cuisine is celebrated around the world for its dynamic interplay of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors. It’s not about heat alone—though Thai dishes can certainly pack a punch—but about balance. Lemongrass brings citrusy brightness, chili adds heat, fish sauce brings depth and saltiness, while Thai basil provides a subtly sweet, almost licorice-like flavor. All of these ingredients work together harmoniously in this dish, showcasing what makes Thai food so special.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs and Aromatics
One of the things that set Thai recipes apart is the generous use of fresh herbs and aromatics. In this recipe, Thai basil plays a key role. Unlike sweet basil, Thai basil has a more peppery, clove-like flavor that holds up beautifully when cooked. Lemongrass is another star, contributing its signature citrus aroma without adding acidity. Used both in the marinade and in the rice, these herbs create layers of flavor that build with every bite.
Grilling Shrimp for Maximum Flavor
Grilling is an ideal cooking method for shrimp, especially when they’re marinated with bold ingredients like lemongrass and chili. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the marinade and gives the shrimp a lightly charred, smoky quality. It also cooks them quickly, preserving their natural sweetness and tender texture. Whether you use an outdoor grill, a grill pan, or a broiler, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful shrimp that complement the fried rice perfectly.
The Role of Lime in Thai Cooking
Lime is more than just a garnish—it’s essential in Thai cooking. Its juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the shrimp and the savory rice. In the fried rice portion of the dish, lime is added at the end to preserve its fresh flavor, lifting the entire meal. The zest can also be used for an even more intense citrus aroma, making the dish feel lighter and fresher.
The Power of Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce
These two sauces are foundational to Thai-style stir-fries and rice dishes. Fish sauce is made from fermented fish and brings a salty, umami flavor that enhances the natural taste of the other ingredients. Oyster sauce is thicker and sweeter, adding body and richness. When combined, they create a balanced, savory base that ties together all the components of the lime fried rice.
Customizing the Dish
One of the beauties of this dish is its flexibility. You can adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
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Protein: Swap shrimp for tofu, chicken, or even grilled vegetables if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
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Heat Level: Adjust the number of chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance.
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Vegetables: Feel free to include extras like baby corn, snap peas, or bok choy to make the fried rice more substantial and colorful.
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Herbs: If Thai basil isn’t available, sweet basil or even cilantro can make good alternatives, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Presentation and Garnishing Tips
For an impressive presentation, consider using a shallow bowl or a large flat plate. Place the fried rice as a base, then arrange the grilled shrimp on top. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a few extra Thai basil leaves, and wedges of lime not only make the dish look restaurant-worthy but also add bursts of fresh flavor. Red chili slices or microgreens can provide a pop of color, while toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add a textural contrast.
Nutritional Considerations
This dish is a great option for those looking for a satisfying yet balanced meal. Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, while jasmine rice provides carbohydrates to keep you energized. Fresh herbs and vegetables contribute fiber and antioxidants. While sauces like fish sauce and oyster sauce do contain sodium, they’re used in moderation, and the use of fresh ingredients balances them out. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can opt for reduced-sodium versions of the sauces.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice fits the bill. It comes together in under an hour, looks beautiful on the plate, and delivers big on flavor. This makes it ideal for:
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Dinner parties
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Date nights at home
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Family meals with a twist
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Meal prep (the rice and shrimp hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days)
Cultural Roots and Inspiration
This dish pays homage to the street food culture of Thailand, where grilled meats and rice dishes are served hot, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Vendors often marinate their proteins for hours before grilling over open flames, giving each bite a smoky depth. The use of basil, lime, and chili mirrors the ingredients you’d find in a Bangkok food stall, while the fried rice base is a nod to the country’s comfort food traditions. By preparing this at home, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing a piece of Thai culinary heritage.
Aromatic Harmony: Why This Dish Works
At the heart of this recipe is balance. The chili provides heat, the lime offers acidity, the basil delivers sweetness, and the sauces contribute depth. Texturally, the tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and crunchy garnishes keep every bite interesting. It’s this harmony—both in flavor and texture—that makes this dish such a joy to eat. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or a newcomer to Southeast Asian cuisine, this meal strikes the perfect balance between comfort and excitement.
Conclusion
Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice is more than just a combination of ingredients—it’s a celebration of flavor, freshness, and culinary tradition. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to make something truly memorable. With its bold aromatics, vibrant presentation, and adaptability, this recipe is ideal for anyone who loves to cook and explore new cuisines. Bring a taste of Thailand to your table and enjoy the symphony of flavors this dish has to offer.